TOURISM NT ABORIGINAL TOURISM UPDATE - KEEPING YOU INFORMED || May 2025

Drive the NT - 2025 Campaign

In 2025, a national drive campaign will inspire Australians to “road trip differently” in the Northern Territory (NT), showcasing the NT’s unique landscapes and experiences. The campaign encourages travellers to explore both the Top End and Red Centre. The campaign focuses on the fly/drive and caravan and camping self-drive markets, highlighting the vast offerings of the NT.

Love Letters to Alice

Love Letters to Alice is a national storytelling campaign that forms part of Alice Springs: Stories from the Heart—a broader initiative to celebrate the people, culture, and landscapes of Alice Springs, led by Tourism Central Australia. Through a series of five heartfelt Love Letters, the campaign shares the voices of those who love and know the region best, reinforcing a positive, authentic, and community-led narrative.

National First Nations Visitor Economy Partnership

The National First Nations Visitor Economy Partnership includes First Nations tourism industry representatives from every state and territory. It will support greater participation and economic opportunities for First Nations people and businesses in Australia’s tourism industry.

Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts and Culture Centre

Arts and Culture Centre celebrated the opening of its new amphitheatre in Katherine. The completion of the expanded stage and open-air venue for professional outdoor performances is an exciting milestone for the Katherine arts and culture centre, which now boasts more modern facilities for performers and visitors.

Tourism Australia releases 'Hot List'

The 'Hot List' contains a wrap-up of new places to stay and experiences to enjoy around Australia. This month features the NT's Karrimanjbekkan An-me Kakadu - Taste of Kakadu and 110% Finke River Culture & Adventure.

NT Training Awards nominations - Now open

The awards, now in its 70th year, recognises outstanding achievers in the vocational education and training (VET) sector including local businesses, training organisations, apprentices, trainees, and students. Be part of something amazing and nominate yourself or encourage others to nominate across a variety of categories for individuals and businesses.

Connect to Country out now

Tourism Australia's 9th issue of the Discover Aboriginal Experiences digital magazine Connect to Country is now available. The publication features engaging first person stories and captivating videos and images. This issue features NT Aboriginal tourism businesses and Kakadu Tourism.

Aboriginal Business Development Program

The grant program helps to support the start-up and development of NT Aboriginal businesses. Applications can be load for funding up to $30,000 (ex GST). Applications will open in May 2025.

Ultimate Uluru and Jessica Mauboy Concert | Ayers Rock Resort

Ayers Rock Resort and Imagine Holidays have announced a once-in-a-lifetime experience featuring a performance for small groups by Australian singing sensation, Jessica Mauboy, against the iconic backdrop of Uluru; on sale now.

The festival will be held from 6 to 9 June in the small community of Barunga, which is 80 kilometres southeast of Katherine. Barunga Festival is a must for anyone seeking a rich Aboriginal cultural experience. Barunga boasts a long and proud tradition of celebrating Aboriginal culture, music and sport.

Garma Festival

One of Australia’s largest First Nations gatherings, Garma Festival will be held from

1-6 August 2025. Hosted by the Yothu Yindi Foundation, Garma showcases traditional miny’tji (art), manikay (song), bunggul (dance) and storytelling, and is an important meeting point for the clans and families of the region.

Country to Couture

On 5 August 2025, Country to Couture will showcase the best of Aboriginal fashion and textiles in a colourful showcase of wearable art. The high-energy runway presents collections from emerging Aboriginal designers and artists, and unique collaborations between First Nations communities and well-known Australian labels.

National Indigenous Fashion Awards

On 6 August 2025, the awards will celebrate the innovation, diversity and ethical practices of Australia’s First Nations peoples in fashion and textiles, while contributing to the capacity building of the sector. First Nations artists are recognised across six award categories, providing an opportunity for the Australian and international fashion community to connect to the world’s oldest living cultures.

Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair

Returning for its 19th year from 7 to 10 August 2025, the fair is one of Australia’s most significant and internationally recognised art events. Visitors have the chance to ethically purchase Aboriginal art from more than 70 Aboriginal-owned art centres across Australia and enjoy a vibrant program of traditional dance, workshops, talks and fashion events.

Sea Darwin – Sea Tiwi - A night on Tiwi: Festival and Footy

Your adventure begins on 19 July 2025, with a fast boat ride from Darwin to Wurrumiyanga, the heart of Tiwi Island life. The scenic journey serves as a perfect introduction to the exciting cultural experiences awaiting you. Upon arrival, enjoy a warm welcome, followed by a guided tour of your accommodation and Wurrumiyanga, and a meet-and-greet with Traditional Owners.

Drive the NT - 2025 Campaign

Love Letters to Alice

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National First Nations Visitor Economy Partnership

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Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts and Culture Centre

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Tourism Australia releases 'Hot List'

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NT Training Awards nominations - Now open

Connect to Country out now

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Aboriginal Business Development Program

Ultimate Uluru and Jessica Mauboy Concert | Ayers Rock Resort

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Karrimanjbekkan An-me Kakadu - Taste of Kakadu

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Barunga Festival 2025

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Garma Festival

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Country to Couture

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National Indigenous Fashion Awards

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Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair

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Sea Darwin – Sea Tiwi - A night on Tiwi: Festival and Footy

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